§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are any plans to deploy United States Air Force EF-111 aircraft in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. NottYes. Her Majesty's Government have agreed to the stationing of one squadron of EF-111 aircraft at Upper Heyford from the beginning of 1984. The EF-111 aircraft carries electronic countermeasures equipment and in wartime would support the operations of NATO aircraft by disrupting enemy radar and communications. They are to be based in Europe to increase their readiness for use in a time of crisis or war. The additional construction work involved will cost around £7 million and thus benefit the local economy.